Guest guest Posted April 22, 2002 Report Share Posted April 22, 2002 From Prepared Foods.com http://www.preparedfoods.com/query.asp L-Theanine Nutra Solutions.com Stress Reducing Amino Acid Milo OhrContributing Editor In a fast-paced and time-crunched society, it is no wonder that stress levels are high. Consumers are continually looking for quick and convenient ways to relax and reduce their stress. Enter L-theanine, an amino acid that research has proven to induce relaxation without causing drowsiness. Found predominantly in tea plants, L-theanine contributes to the unique flavor and umami taste of green tea. Studies show that when consumed, L-theanine directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves. These brain waves are associated with an awake, yet relaxed, state in humans. L-theanine also plays a role in the formation of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). This inhibitory neurotransmitter is key for relaxation and works by inhibiting the release of dopamine and serotonin. In addition to relaxation, L-theanine exhibits the potential to lower blood pressure and to improve learning ability and memory. In hypertensive rats, the administration of L-theanine resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure. In Wistar rats, scientists observed relatively good reaction frequency in a series of memory and learning ability tests, with the administration of L-theanine. These positive benefits help L-theanine prove itself to be a unique additive for dietary supplements and functional foods. Food scientists at Taiyo Kagaku Co. Ltd., Yokkaichi, Japan, developed an enzymatic process for the large scale production of L-theanine, which is offered under the name Suntheanine™ by Taiyo International Inc., Edina, Minn. A dose of between 50 to 200 mg of Suntheanine has been shown to produce relaxation, without inducing drowsiness. Taiyo’s studies concluded that Suntheanine produces the relaxant effect within 30 to 40 minutes of ingestion. L-theanine was approved in Japan in 1964 for unlimited use in all but infant foods. In 1994, following favorable toxicology studies, Suntheanine-containing products entered the Asian markets; they became available in the European markets in 1999. Dietary supplements with Suntheanine hit U.S. market shelves in 2000. Presently, over 50 food products containing Suntheanine are being sold in Japan, Korea and Europe. In Japan, products include capsules, gum, chocolate, caramel, ice cream and beverages. In the U.S., most of the products are in capsule form. According to the company, no degradation of L-theanine is noted in beverages heated at 121° C for 5 minutes. Suntheanine shows good stability in both neutral (pH 6.5) and acidic (pH 3.0) beverages during 12 months of storage at under 25° C. Unlike similar stress-reducing herbs and supplements, Suntheanine has no unpleasant flavor and is transparent in solution. Suntheanine was awarded the Food Ingredient Research Award at the 1998 Food Ingredients Europe and the Best New Product of 2000 at Nutracon. For a copy of the research, see www.nutrasolutions.com/clinicalresearch/theanine01.htmlTaiyo International Inc. WRITE IN 202 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 17, 2005 Report Share Posted November 17, 2005 Ellen Frieder wrote: > Does anyone know if there are any risks associated with long-term use > of l-theanine? I don't know, but I sincerely doubt it! L-theanine is extracted from green tea, and there are scads of folks in Asia who have " used " green tea several times a day for their whole lives ;@) There's some info on it on www.lef.org. They say it is safe and non-toxic for everyone except babies. -- el (andreafrankel at sbcglobal dot net) " wake now! Discover that YOU are the song that the morning brings... " Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Hi Rose, I "ed" this supplement and it is suppose to relax you. But, I went to Vitacost.com where I buy most of my supplements, and the reviews on this was excellent, but one lady said she doesn't take it at night--so I am wondering if it would stimulate. It says it relaxes you without the drowsiness..... all you can do is try it. It got my attention because I have a problem sleeping without Lunesta and that is sooooo expensive, even with insurance. Elaine Rose <rose2617@...> wrote: This was just recommended to me by my alternative DR for better sleep. Has anyone used this? Any problems? I am always reluctant to try new supplements.I also wonder if they really know the long term on amino acid supplementation. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Theanine is supposed to relax you and increase beta waves in the brain which are slower and cause you to relax. I take some every day (200 mg). And it's an ingredient in green tea. I think it may relax you a bit; I take it so I don't feel so anxious and I'm not sure it works too well. It certainly wouldn't put you to sleep, unless you took massive doses and I wouldn't do that either. It is an amino acid, after all, and could knock the other ones out of whack. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think it will do much for insomnia. HelenElaine Pratt <epratt72@...> wrote: Hi Rose, I "ed" this supplement and it is suppose to relax you. But, I went to Vitacost.com where I buy most of my supplements, and the reviews on this was excellent, but one lady said she doesn't take it at night--so I am wondering if it would stimulate. It says it relaxes you without the drowsiness..... all you can do is try it. It got my attention because I have a problem sleeping without Lunesta and that is sooooo expensive, even with insurance. Elaine Rose <rose2617comcast (DOT) net> wrote: This was just recommended to me by my alternative DR for better sleep. Has anyone used this? Any problems? I am always reluctant to try new supplements.I also wonder if they really know the long term on amino acid supplementation. Be a better friend, newshound, and know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 9, 2008 Report Share Posted February 9, 2008 Interesting. How many mg of L- Theanine do you take? I'm gonna look into it. Thanks! Who's never won? Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2008 Report Share Posted June 18, 2008 I use it on a nightly basis and have been for several months (perhaps a year). Between that and the occasional 3 mg melatonin, I sleep well and it makes me feel relaxed.I love the stuff. M. On Jun 18, 2008, at 9:04 AM, PoWeRTX@... wrote:L-Theanine Unique Anxiety Reducer and Mood Enhancer Increases Alpha Waves and Alertness Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2008 Report Share Posted June 18, 2008 This is a favorite here. Our clients take it to relax or to process through a stressful day. Dosing is individual….for me, I notice 300 mg at a time makes a difference, though I have heard of others taking up to 600 mg. There are no known contra-indications, side effects, toxicities, or interactions. Jarrow & Solgar are good companies who make it available over the counter. Jarrow makes a plain L-Theanine. Solgar makes one that has GABA and Valerian root to give enhanced relaxation. fred Fred Walters, Jr. Founding Director Program for Side Effects Management (better known as Houston Buyers Club) A 501©3 Nonprofit Organization Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 Any thoughts on L-theanine use, position and/or negative? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2009 Report Share Posted July 22, 2009 My doctor, Leo Galland, put me on that in the form of " Zen " which has L-Theanine plus GABA. He seems to think it's good. I find it helps me relax and I can take it during the day. However, it didn't resolve my sleep issues as it isn't that strong. Vicky > > Any thoughts on L-theanine use, position and/or negative? > > Thanks, > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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